Buk Bilong Pikinini (BbP)

Buk bilong Pikinini (Tok Pisin for ‘Children’s books) is an independent charity based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The focus and objective of Buk bilong Pikinini are to increase literacy rates, particularly and most importantly children’s literacy, through the introduction of sustainable, self-contained libraries opened in identified areas of need throughout Papua New Guinea.

The first Buk bilong Pikinini library opened at Port Moresby General Hospital in April 2008, providing new and pre-loved books, educational games and activities, and a selection of craft materials to sick and underprivileged children. There are full-time teacher-librarians employed at each library. Buk bilong Pikinini continues to grow whilst maintaining 17 libraries operating throughout PNG.

Buk bilong Pikinini was founded by Anne-Sophie Hermann and Anna Mukerjee in 2007. In 1974 there were 34 public libraries in Port Moresby and in 2016 there were fewer than five. Thus the seed was sown and Buk bilong Pikinini was born out of a desperate need and desire to avail the entire community and its people to the joys of reading and becoming literate citizens.

Buk bilong Pikinini also supports the re-establishment of school libraries and makes high-quality book donations to communities across PNG.